X Factor 2

Behavior 2 – Trust God to Provide

Acts 1:8-8:1 – The earliest days of the church.

1. Trust God by exercising prayer (1:14; 4:24).

2. Trust God by hearing from God while together (2:1, 46).

3. Trust God by learning through the apostles’ teaching (2:42).

4. Trust God by allowing Him to reveal Himself (5:29).

Acts 16:6 and 19:10 – God’s very specific hand of direction.

1. The Holy Spirit keeps Paul and companions from Asia.

2. Now the people of Asia hear the good news.

Acts 5:1-11 – The antithesis…the couple that did not trust God to provide.

1. In succession Ananias and Sapphira keep something back for personal security.

2. They lied to Peter; perhaps they lied to themselves (and they lied to the Holy Spirit).

Bottom Line:

The Early Church leaders always had their antennas high. The listened to God, and they trusted Him for specific direction. Today more than ever we need to hear from God and receive His direction. This concept of trust is not easy. The sooner we acknowledge that whatever is from God cannot be stopped, the sooner we will trust Him to multiply the Church. One more note – holding back is not a good option.

X Factor 1

Behavior 1 – Wait for the Holy Spirit’s Power

Acts 1:4 – Initial instruction from Jesus himself to WAIT.

1. Significance of His final words on earth.

2. Significance of power to the previously powerless.

3. Significance of active waiting (see 1:14, 15, 16-26, 2:1)

4. Significance lessons from some who tried it without THE power (19:13-16)

Bottom Line:

God’s power is not token. It is not a power occasionally available. It is not a power to be fooled with. Spiritual warfare, especially in church multiplication, is real. Therefore, it is critical to wait to be empowered by the Holy Spirit! Satan will aggressively work to thwart your progress. He knows it will lead to the taking of his territory.

Don’t miss the activity surrounding the word WAIT. WAIT did not, and does not, mean to be idle!

sXt

The Erickson's are off to sXt: Strategic Multiplication Training put on by the National Church Planting Director of the Christian and Missionary Alliance. We will be examining the X Factors for Church Multiplication found in the book of Acts.

Vision

"The vision is not merely to start one church but to be a vital part of a church planting movement. We don't merely want fruit but healthy fruit bearing trees!"

Global Church Advancement - Church Planter Training Manual

GCA

My intention was to blog throughout the Global Church Advancement Church Planting Seminar, but it was so full of good teaching that I did not have time to blog. I hope to share some of the highlights over the next days.

This teaching was invaluable and I look forward to implementing some of the things I learned. Anyone interested in church planting should consider GCA as essential training. Check it out at: http://www.gca.cc/

Global Church Advancement

I am attending the North American Church Planting Conference held at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, MN. Today was the first day and I realize how much I don't know about church planting. I attended two workshops by Tom Nebel on Church Planting Landmines. It was enlightening and encouraging. The teaching comes from his book by the same title. It is packed with wisdom and insights from a seasoned church planter. It is a must have book for church planters, so if you don't have it get it.

I have met many great church planters. This is a time of sweet fellowship because church planters are a rare breed and are a lot of fun to be around. I love these guys!!! They lay it all on the line for the sake of the gospel. I have been greatly encouraged today. Thank you Jesus!

Did I mention that I miss Anne and Asher? Its only the first of five days. I can't wait to see them!